MANY women suffer from a variety of pelvic complaints that are often difficult to explain and understand. Doctors frequently investigate incorrectly, misdiagnose and treat inappropriately. We are now beginning to realise, albeit slowly, that a condition known as endometriosis can be the invisible, underlying cause of many such sufferings.

Endometriosis occurs when fragments of tissue resembling the mucous membrane lining the womb, the endometrium, begin to grow on and around the pelvic organs. This situation may - and does - cause many problems.

The reason why doctors find endometriosis so difficult to diagnose is that, in most cases, there are no visible external signs. Endometriosis may also mimic many gynaecological, urological and gastroenterological conditions, leading to incorrect assumptions as to the cause, investigations and treatments. The diagnosis is usually made by surgical examination of the abdominal and pelvic ...

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